Sharp rise in gambling self-exclusions among younger people in the UK

Gamstop says those aged 16 to 24 accounted for 29 per cent of new registrations in the last six months of 2025.

UK.- The UK gambling self-exclusion service Gamstop has reported a 40 per cent year-on-year rise in registrations among people aged 16 to 24 years old during the six months to December 31 2025. This demographic accounted for 29 per cent of all new registrations on the platform.

Data shows that 38 per cent of under-25s opted for a six-month exclusion, while across all age groups the most popular choice remains the five-year ban (47 per cent). For those selecting the longer option, Gamstop introduced an auto-renewal feature in late 2024. Uptake of this has steadily increased, with more than half of five-year registrants choosing auto-renewal by the end of 2025.

These figures apply to online gambling, but Gamstop has also refreshed its retail-focused service. The Multi Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) has been rebranded to align more closely with Gamstop Online, replacing the previous phone-based process with a streamlined online self-exclusion system.

MOSES, which allows exclusions of up to 18 months, now has more than 9,000 individuals registered. It currently covers around 6,000 betting shops and over 60 operators.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of The Gamstop Group, commented: “Our brand refresh reflects the evolution of Gamstop and will deliver clarity, consistency and accessibility while preserving the trust and integrity built over the last eight years since we launched.

“The continued year-on-year growth in registrations highlights the ongoing and increasing need for effective self-exclusion tools. The rise in take-up of our auto-renewal option, in particular, shows that many consumers are seeking longer-term support and recognise the value of self-exclusion in helping them manage their gambling.”

Last year Gamstop warned that that around 8 per cent of people registered with the scheme have engaged in gambling through unlicensed platforms. It noted that it has collaborated with the Gambling Commission to identify and report illegal operators, as well as to remove promotional content.

However, websites branding themselves as “non-Gamstop casinos” continue to appear, specifically targeting the more than 600,000 users who have signed up for Gamstop’s self-exclusion system. The charity has confirmed that a notable portion of its user base has interacted with these.

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